Replacement latch for the Igloo Little Playmate Maxcold 7Qt lunchbox

A simple fix for a great lunchbox

The Igloo Little Playmate 7 quart lunchbox is super handy, but the latch can break. While I was able to glue mine together, I designed this robust replacement that permanently solves the issue. Even if this one breaks, you can print another!

Easy to print

This model can be printed without any supports. For best results, print in PLA, PLA+ or PETG.

Instructions

1. You will need to remove the caps on either side of the lunchbox. I find a thin mini-screwdriver allows me to do this.
2. The two caps will reveal screws. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver to remove them.
3. With the screws removed you can gently lift the lid past the two points of rotation.
4. After removing the lid, notice there is some foam insulation at the top. On the side closest to the latch, carefully make two straight cuts through the foam as shown in the picture.
5. Using a putty knife or similar flat implement, carefully loosen and remove the foam from the adhesive. Once loosened from the adhesive, remove the foam piece, making sure to save it for later.
6. There is a button that holds the latch in place. On either side of the button are protrusions that prevent the button from popping out easily. You will need to squeeze these on either side of the button and push the button out from the bottom of the lid.
7. Once the button has been pushed up, it should be easy to lift off from the top.
8. The exposed latch (which will likely be off-white in color) can be pivoted and removed from the newly opened hole.
9. To replace the latch with the printed part, lower the thin extension into the large opening of the button first, then seat the printed latch on the point of rotation.
10. Rotate the latch around the pivot point and make sure the conical protrusion of the printed latch lines up with the spring of the lunchbox.
11. While holding the latch from the underside of the lid, replace the button from the top and press it back into place.
12. To replace the foam you cut out and to allow future serviceability, place loops of painter's tape on the side of the foam that touches the lid, then carefully push it back into place. The loops of tape will easily hold the foam securely in place.
13. Replace the lid in the opposite way that you had removed it. First, fit the lid over the two pivot points.
14. Once in place, carefully close the lid and replace the screws and screw them in place with the Phillips head screwdriver.
15. Replace the caps, carefully noting that the position of the index on the caps matches up with the holes of the lid and that the small clips are sideways. Once positioned, press them into place.
16. Congratulations! Your cooler is back in operation and ready to haul your lunch once again.